Photo © Nick Montegriffo

Glanville Fritillary

Melitaea cinxia

Checklist Number
59.034 [B&F: 1612]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Nymphalinae
Genus:Melitaea
Species:cinxia
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

A Red Data Book species, on undercliffs and rough coastal grassland in southern England, southern Scandinavia and mainland Europe. A species that historically has always seen rises and falls in population, accurate recording not helped by deliberate introductions in unsuitable habitat. In Hampshire has been lost from the old site at Hordle Cliff, but now established at Hurst Castle; still reasonably widespread on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 41-47 mm. Larva feeds on Ribwort Plantain.